Nora L. Milliner

Nora Lee Milliner's journey began April 23, 1923. Nora was born to the union of Martha and Emanuel Williams, the youngest of 13 siblings. Six days after giving birth, Nora’s mother, Martha passed away. Nora was sent to Hughes, Arkansas, to be cared for by an older sister who she affectionately called "Sister Lucille." Several years later, Nora relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, to live with another sister, Anna Kay, until she completed her education.

Nora, aka "Auntie" by the family, loved Memphis, the Blues and Beale Street. She had a special friendship with B.B. King and Elvis Presley. She could talk for hours about B.B., Albert King, Howling Wolf and others. Nora enjoyed life to the fullest. Her weekends consisted of cooking, eating and listening to the blues while spending quality time with family and friends. Nora was small in stature and had a heart of gold. Nora was well known in her community as “GRANNY”. The love, respect and admiration she received was genuine. Everyone who knew her loved her. She especially loved being around young people sharing stories about her life adventures.

Nora married Wallace Son Milliner who preceded her in death in 1958. Wallace had three step-children: Wallace Son Milliner Jr., “Joe Baby”, Dorothy Mae Warren Abrams and Hattie Mae Titsworth, who all preceded her in death. Nora moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 1958 where she worked at the Office Airforce Base. She later moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, in the early 60’s where she accepted Christ as her savior. She was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church and sang in the choir under the leadership of the late Pastor Harvey E. Leggett. Nora was employed by the University of Michigan Hospital until retirement. She received numerous Certificates of Appreciation from the Washtenaw County Human Service Department for years of service as a foster grandparent, as well as recognition and awards for years of service as volunteering to Project Head Start.

Nora’s last journey was to South Bend, Indiana, in September of 2016 when her health begin to decline. Nora leaves to cherish her smile, her laughter and her memory nine grandchildren: Ellen Brynum-Irvin, Deborah Ann and Donna K Warren (preceded in death), Sheila Joyce Taylor, Sherry Ann Warren, Constance Handy, Charles E. Abram Jr., Tammie M. Warren and Duane R. Warren, only living niece; Hazel Pearl Woods of Bellville, Illinois; special great-nephews: Robert (Christine), Vernard Sullivan, Marvin Thompson, Earl (Eloise) Thompson and Jimmy Thompson of South Bend, Indiana; great nieces: Glendale Lott of Detroit, Michigan, Michelle Sullivan of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Terri Sullivan and Genevra Sullivan of South Bend, Indiana; great-great grandnephew, Kevin Thompson of Ypsilanti, Michigan; along with six generations of nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and friends. 

Special thank you from Nora to Robert:

Robert, Auntie adores you beyond measure. My love, admiration and gratitude for you and for all that you have done did not go unnoticed…

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